What You Need to Know Before Transferring a Domain

Before you initiate the transfer of your domain from AWS to Hostinger, it’s essential to ensure that your domain meets the required transfer conditions. Here’s what you need to check:

Eligibility Criteria for Domain Transfer

1. Domain Age:
   • The domain must be registered for at least 60 days. Newly registered domains cannot be transferred until this period has elapsed.
2. Domain Status:
   • Ensure the domain is not in a locked state, pending delete, or pending transfer.
3. WHOIS Contact Information:
   • The email address linked to the domain (as per WHOIS records) should be accurate and accessible. You’ll need this email to approve the transfer.
4. Active Registration:
   • The domain must be actively registered. Expired domains may require renewal before they can be transferred.

Restrictions on Domain Transfers

Certain conditions can block a domain transfer. Avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Recent Changes in Contact Information:
   • If you’ve updated your domain’s registrant details recently, some registrars enforce a 60-day lock period before the domain becomes eligible for transfer.
2. Domain Expiration:
   • Transfers cannot be initiated if the domain is too close to its expiration date. Ensure at least 7 days remain before the domain expires.
3. Pending Payments:
   • Outstanding dues or unresolved issues with your current registrar (AWS in this case) can delay or block the transfer.

Special Cases

1. Expired Domains:
   • If the domain has already expired but is still within the grace period, you may need to renew it before initiating the transfer.
2. Country-Specific TLDs:
   • For domains with country-specific TLDs (e.g., .uk, .in), additional requirements or processes may apply. Always check for specific rules related to your TLD.
3. Privacy Protection (WHOIS Guard):
   • Disable any privacy protection services before initiating the transfer. The receiving registrar (Hostinger) will need to verify the registrant’s contact details.

Checklist Before Starting the Transfer

• ✅ Domain is unlocked in AWS Route 53.
• ✅ Authorization code is retrieved from AWS.
• ✅ Domain is at least 60 days old.
• ✅ WHOIS information is up-to-date.
• ✅ Privacy protection is disabled.
• ✅ Domain is not within 7 days of expiration.

Including this section ensures that users are fully aware of all prerequisites and potential restrictions, helping them avoid delays during the transfer process.

You might like this How to Transfer a Domain from AWS to Hostinger: Step-by-Step Guide.